3-6 Months Before
Documents
- Renew passport (ensure 6+ months validity)
- Research visa requirements for your destination
- Gather birth certificates, marriage certificates
- Get apostilles on important documents
- Obtain certified translations
- Get international driving permit
- Request copies of medical records
- Obtain police clearance/background check
Finances
- Research banking options in destination country
- Set up a Wise or similar multi-currency account
- Notify your bank of international move
- Research tax obligations (both countries)
- Build an emergency fund (3-6 months expenses)
- Understand currency exchange strategies
Healthcare
- Get a comprehensive medical checkup
- Visit the dentist
- Get required vaccinations
- Research health insurance options abroad
- Fill prescriptions (90-day supply if possible)
- Get copies of all prescriptions with generic names
1-3 Months Before
Housing
- Research neighborhoods in destination city
- Secure temporary accommodation (first 1-2 months)
- Decide what to do with current home (sell/rent/keep)
- Begin decluttering and downsizing
- Get quotes for international shipping (if needed)
- Research furnished vs unfurnished options
Work & Admin
- Notify employer of relocation (if applicable)
- Set up mail forwarding
- Cancel or pause subscriptions
- Update address with important institutions
- Research coworking spaces at destination
- Download offline maps and translation apps
2-4 Weeks Before
Final Preparations
- Confirm flights and accommodation
- Arrange airport transfer
- Pack essential documents in carry-on
- Set up VPN on all devices
- Download essential apps (banking, transport, translation)
- Print important documents as backup
- Exchange some local currency
- Say goodbye to friends and family
First Week Abroad
Getting Set Up
- Get a local SIM card
- Register with local authorities (if required)
- Open local bank account
- Get local health insurance sorted
- Explore your neighborhood on foot
- Find your nearest grocery store, pharmacy, hospital
- Join local expat communities (Facebook, Meetup)
- Register with your home country's embassy
Pro Tips
- Don't over-pack. You can buy most things locally, often cheaper.
- Keep digital copies of all important documents in cloud storage.
- Learn basic phrases in the local language before arriving.
- Don't burn bridges at home — you might return someday.
- Give yourself grace. Culture shock is real and it's okay to feel overwhelmed.
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